Betty Friedan

Definition

Betty Friedan was an American feminist, activist, and author best known for her groundbreaking book 'The Feminine Mystique,' published in 1963. This work challenged the traditional roles of women in society, sparking the second-wave feminist movement and addressing issues such as gender equality and women's rights in the workforce.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' identified what she called 'the problem that has no name,' highlighting the dissatisfaction many suburban housewives felt despite living comfortable lives.
2. Friedan played a crucial role in founding the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which aimed to advocate for equal rights and opportunities for women.
3. Her work helped ignite discussions about women's roles beyond homemaking, contributing to significant changes in societal attitudes towards women's employment and rights.
4. Friedan's advocacy led to broader awareness of issues such as maternity leave, equal pay, and sexual harassment in the workplace.
5. Throughout her life, Friedan continued to write and speak on various feminist issues, influencing subsequent generations of activists and scholars.

Review Questions

• How did Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' influence the second-wave feminist movement?
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' was instrumental in bringing attention to women's dissatisfaction with their traditional roles as housewives. Friedan's exploration of this issue resonated with many women, sparking discussions about gender equality and leading to greater activism. The book's impact contributed to the formation of organizations like NOW and inspired women to seek opportunities beyond domesticity.
• In what ways did Betty Friedan's work contribute to changes in women’s employment rights during the 1960s and 1970s?
  • Friedan's advocacy highlighted the barriers women faced in the workforce, including discrimination and lack of maternity leave. Her efforts brought awareness to these issues, encouraging legislative changes aimed at improving women's rights at work. This included movements toward equal pay, anti-discrimination laws, and better workplace conditions for women.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Betty Friedan's contributions to feminism on contemporary gender equality movements.
  • Betty Friedan's contributions laid a foundation for contemporary gender equality movements by challenging traditional views on women's roles and advocating for their rights. Her work has inspired countless feminists to continue pushing for equal treatment in all aspects of life. The ongoing fight against workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence can be traced back to the activism sparked by Friedan and her peers during the second-wave feminist movement.

Related terms

Feminine Mystique: 'The Feminine Mystique' is a book written by Betty Friedan that critiques the limited roles of women in society, particularly the expectation that they find fulfillment primarily through homemaking and motherhood.

National Organization for Women (NOW): NOW is an American feminist organization founded in 1966, advocating for women's rights and equality in all aspects of life, including employment, education, and reproductive rights.

Second-Wave Feminism: Second-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that began in the early 1960s and focused on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and sexual liberation.